People look forward to lots of things: their next paycheck, a date, vacation, the weekend, the big game, going shopping, eating out, Christmas, the birth of a child, Spring, getting healthy, a great meal, getting married, a new job, retirement, sex, sleep, and lots more.
What are you looking forward to?
Sometimes we are very much aware of what we’re looking forward to. We think about it, talk about it, and prepare for it. Sometimes what we’re looking forward to is real but not necessarily “front burner” in our conscious thoughts.
Sometimes we are looking forward to something that is realistic, like a comfortable bed (at least we who live in the “first world”). Sometimes it is not, like winning the lottery.
People who have nothing positive to look forward often feel hopeless and depressed.
Having positive things to look forward to isn’t just important for one’s mental health and outlook on life, it’s an important component of a healthy marriage and family. If you and your spouse or you and your kids don’t have some fun things – big and small – to look forward to, why not sit down this week and plan some?
There’s a little-known man in the Bible who was looking forward to something really big and exciting. Joseph of Arimathea was rich and respected. He was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He had the courage to stand up against the majority of the council who wanted to crucify Jesus. But, he was outvoted.
After Jesus’ death on the cross, Joseph offered his own tomb for Jesus’ burial—not understanding that it would only be needed until Sunday morning.
When the Bible describes Joseph, here’s what it says: “he was looking for the Kingdom of God.” He believed that Jesus was the long-promised King. He didn’t understand that the full realization of Jesus’ Kingdom on earth would not come for many centuries until Jesus would return to earth the second time. Nevertheless, Joseph was eagerly looking forward to the arrival of Jesus’ Kingdom.
Christians around the world are waiting for that day. Every time they pray “the Lord’s Prayer” they pray for it’s coming: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
When Jesus returns as King, the whole earth will enjoy His Kingdom of righteousness, love, health, prosperity, and peace. Jesus’ followers aren’t only supposed to look forward to Jesus’ future kingdom, they are to engage in KINGDOM LIVING now by living out the values His kingdom will someday bring to earth. We can help to make little islands of His kingdom now wherever we are by loving people, doing the right thing in our relationships, doing all we can to relieve suffering around us, following Jesus’ example in our lives, and acknowledging Him as our King.
I’m really looking forward to Jesus’ future Kingdom. Are you?
